Sri Vijaya Puram, Sept. 29: Lieutenant Governor Dinesh Sharma has directed the Tourism Department to establish eco-huts, visitor benches, signboards and other basic tourist amenities at Laxmanpur Beach in Shaheed Dweep, while stressing the role of Panchayats in maintaining cleanliness and supporting village tourism. He issued the directions during the concluding phase of his two-day visit to the island, where he reviewed cleanliness and the upkeep of the beach under the Swachhata Hi Seva campaign.
Addressing officers, Panchayat members and local residents, Sharma said Gram Panchayats have a key role in sustaining cleanliness and can contribute to attracting tourists by keeping villages clean and supporting their development. The campaign also seeks to carry the Prime Minister’s message on cleanliness to villages.
The Lieutenant Governor also emphasised the need to protect the environment while pursuing development, calling for a balance between development and environmental protection. His directions at Laxmanpur Beach included provisions intended to improve basic facilities available to visitors.
During the programme, Sharma administered the Swachhata pledge to officers, Panchayat members and Safai Mitras. He subsequently held an interaction with local residents and heard their grievances and concerns.
The Pradhan of Shaheed Dweep invited the Lieutenant Governor to attend the Vivekananda Mela scheduled for January. Sharma expressed his pleasure at meeting villagers and officers and thanked them for their hospitality, while urging those present to work with greater dedication and commitment towards public welfare.
He directed the concerned officers to prepare a detailed report on the visit and ensure prompt implementation of the directions issued during his inspection.
Deputy Commissioner, South Andaman Pallavi Sarkar, Superintendent of Police, South Andaman Shweta Sugathan, Secretary (Rural Development) Rajesh Chopra, Secretary to the Lieutenant Governor Jyoti Kumari, Director (Tourism) Akanchha Singh, Director (Rural Development) Apurva Sharma, Pramukh Panchayat Samiti, Sri Vijaya Puram Champa Das, and Pradhan, Shaheed Dweep Pinky Das attended the visit along with senior officers, elected representatives and representatives of all political parties.
